There are some relationships that are doomed from the start. During the Warring States period, Qu Yuan (Ma Ke) is born into a prominent family and grows up to be a prodigy scholar.

But Qu Yuan bucks convention when he falls in love with Mo Chou Nu (Zhang Xin Yu), a slave. Society forbids such class-breaking relationships, so the lovers decide to elope so that they can be together.

Despite their efforts to lead a quiet life, Qu Yuan and Chou Nu become entangled in the political struggles of the power elites within the palace.